RZone Policy

The RZone is all about respect and responsibility – respect for yourself, respect for others, and responsibility for your actions.

The RZone Policy is a “zero tolerance” behaviour policy which outlines measures to discourage incidents of inappropriate behaviour and to ensure that any instances are dealt with quickly, fairly and in a consistent manner. It applies to all City of Belleville facilities, properties, City-sponsored events, programs, written or verbal communications or at any other location where City staff are present.

The goal is to promote a positive, safe enjoyable and supportive environment for all participants, spectators, contractors, volunteers and employees.

Rules of Participation

Here’s how you can do your part to ensure City facilities and interactions remain positive, safe, enjoyable and supportive for all:

Follow the rules, regulations and by-laws
Follow specific building and program rules
Always demonstrate courtesy and respect to others
Act in a responsible manner
Respect the rights and privileges of others, including employees
Respect the property of others, including City property, facilities and equipment
Cooperate with City employees to maintain safety, order and discipline
Agree not to engage in solicitation or lobbying activities on City property unless authorized in writing
Agree not to engage in abuse, harassment and bullying behaviours
Agree not to misuse the City’s wireless network or technology
Take pride in keeping facilities and properties clean by picking up after yourself
Follow site specific emergency procedures
Report any issues to City employees immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the RZone apply?

This policy applies to all participants, spectators, contractors, volunteers and employees of City facilities, properties, and programs, including but not limited to:

City-owned, operated, and leased buildings and facilities, including parking lots
Marinas/harbours
Parks, greenspace, and trails
Library
City buses and other vehicles
City programs and events (hosted on city/non-city owned property)
Structured (permit issued) or unstructured (no permit issued) activities
Interactions in the workplace (telephone, email, social media, city vehicles, worksites)

What is considered “inappropriate behaviour”?

Inappropriate behaviour for the purpose of this policy includes, but is not limited to the following behaviours:

Aggressive or intimidating approaches to another individual (verbal assaults – raising voice/yelling/swearing)
Attempts to goad or incite anger or violence in others
Refusal to follow City rules, breach of policy, procedure, or by-law
Vandalism to a City building, property or equipment owned or leased
Theft of property
Inappropriate use of technology
Threats and/or attempts to intimidate
Harassment (“engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome” as defined by the Ontario Human Rights) or bullying
Racial/ethnic intolerance
Throwing of articles in a deliberate or aggressive manner
Racial/ethnic hate speak/actions
Physical striking of another individual
Smoking, vaping, consumption of illegal drugs, cannabis or alcohol
Possession of weapons, tools, or anything that could reasonably be considered intimidating or dangerous

What do I do if I see or experience inappropriate behaviour?

Try to report any acts of inappropriate behaviour within 48 hours or as soon as possible. A report can be made in-person with a City employee, your affiliated organization or using our online form.

How is a report dealt with?

Individuals who engage in any inappropriate behaviour, as defined in this policy, will be subject to sanctions imposed by the RZone Enforcement Guidelines (found in Appendix A of the RZone Policy) which include:

Verbal warning – a verbal warning may issued requesting that the inappropriate behaviour stop and ask the individual to leave the premises for the remainder of the day
Immediate ban from premises for a period of 72 hours or less
Letter of warning
Written letter of reprimand followed with ban from specific facility/property (Trespass Notice)
Written letter of reprimand with ban from specific facility/property plus payment of repair costs (Trespass Notice)
Written letter of reprimand with ban from all City facilities/properties (Trespass Notice)
Contact Belleville Police Service– depending on the incident, Belleville Police Service may be contacted

Questions about the RZone? Call us 613-968-6481.

Community Services

613-966-4632
csdgeneral@belleville.ca